— (Reuters) Because of how Iran treats women, the rights group Open Stadiums has asked FIFA to disqualify Iran from the World Cup finals in Qatar in November.
In a letter to FIFA President Gianni Infantino on Thursday, the organisation complained that despite pressure from the body overseeing the sport, Iranian officials continued to bar female fans from entering the country to watch matches.
“The Iranian FA is more than just a collaborator in the crimes committed by the regime.
It poses a direct risk to the safety of female supporters of our national team both in Iran and abroad. For all of us, football should be a safe haven “said the letter.
“Because of this, as Iranian football fans, we must express our deepest concern regarding Iran’s participation in the upcoming FIFA World Cup.
“Why would FIFA offer the Iranian regime and its representatives a platform on the international scene when it not only disregards fundamental human rights and dignity but also currently kills and tortures its own citizens? ” Where are the FIFA statutes’ guiding principles in this regard? We thus request that FIFA immediately ban Iran from the Qatar 2022 World Cup in accordance with Articles 3 and 4 of its Statutes.
The mentioned articles discuss human rights and prohibit discrimination on the basis of gender, race, religion, and other factors, with violations subject to suspension or expulsion from the international organisation.
An inquiry for comment from Reuters received no immediate response from either FIFA or the Iranian FA.
The appeal comes as rallies against the murder of a young lady in police custody continued in various locations across Iran on Thursday, according to state television and social media, and a human rights group estimated that at least 83 people have been killed in nearly two weeks of protests.
The turmoil, according to Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, is the most recent in a string of hostile Western actions against Iran since the Islamic revolution of 1979.
Over the past ten years, Open Stadiums has waged a largely unsuccessful fight to allow women to watch football matches in Iran.
A few female supporters were allowed entry to Persepolis’ home leg of the Asian Champions League final in Tehran as a result of Infantino’s persuasion.
However, little progress has been made since, with female supporters being denied entry to Iran’s World Cup qualifying match against Lebanon in Mashad in March and footage showing them being pepper sprayed outside the stadium.
During the most recent international break, the national side under Carlos Queiroz played friendlies in Austria against Uruguay and Senegal; both games were played behind closed doors due to security concerns.
Iran will participate in their sixth World Cup finals and will play England, Wales, and the USA in Qatar.
A women’s rights organisation asks FIFA to disqualify Iran from the World Cup.
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